Overview

• Stirling Mortlock wants coach Joe Schmidt to retain his chosen starting XV through the Springboks tests unless injuries force changes
• He recommends shifting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii from outside centre to the wing to deepen his understanding of backline dynamics and exploit his aerial skills
• Mortlock says international combinations need a minimum of five to ten Tests together to build the trust and cohesion vital at Test level
• He cites Australia’s early-2000s successes under Rod Macqueen and Eddie Jones as evidence that consistent selections yield championship-winning chemistry
• The call follows the Wallabies’ 22-12 series-clinching win over the British and Irish Lions and precedes Rugby Championship matches in South Africa on August 16 and 23